Fire Hydrant Water Meter Surety Bonds in Dallas & North Texas
Before issuing a temporary construction water meter, many North Texas cities require a sizable cash deposit. However, where the city allows it, a hydrant meter surety bond can satisfy that deposit instead. In fact, a $5,000 hydrant meter bond costs about $100 for most contractors and, for most applicants, is issued instantly online. As a result, you keep thousands of dollars working on the job without waiting days for approval.
- $5,000 bond costs about $100 for most contractors
- Issued instantly online for most applicants
- Replaces the cash hydrant meter deposit where accepted
- Accepted by the City of Hurst for its $5,000 meter deposit
- Bonds available for Dallas water and sewer deposits
- Local agency in Lavon serving all of North Texas
What Is a Fire Hydrant Water Meter Bond?
A fire hydrant water meter bond is a surety bond that guarantees your obligations to the city when you rent a portable hydrant meter for construction water. In other words, it takes the place of the cash deposit the water authority would otherwise hold.
Keep in mind, however, that you still pay for the water you use, along with any meter damage or charges. Moreover, if the surety pays a valid claim, you’re generally required to repay the surety.
Why Use a Bond Instead of a Hydrant Meter Deposit?
Large meter deposits tie up cash that could otherwise run your business, especially when you need meters on several jobs at once.
Keep Cash Available
Instead of leaving $5,000 with the city, pay about $100 for the bond on most applications.
Get Your Meter Faster
Most applicants get their bond issued instantly online, so there’s no waiting to pick up your meter.
Meet City Requirements
In addition, we help you get the bond documentation participating cities and water authorities require.
Who Needs a Hydrant Meter Bond?
- Construction and site work contractors
- Utility and underground contractors
- Road and paving contractors
- Concrete contractors
- Landscape and irrigation contractors
- Pool, hydro-excavation and other commercial water users
How Much Does a Fire Hydrant Meter Bond Cost?
For most contractors, a $5,000 hydrant meter bond costs about $100. By comparison, a cash deposit ties up the full $5,000 until your account is closed.
| Feature | Cash Meter Deposit | Hydrant Meter Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Up-front cost on a $5,000 requirement | $5,000 | About $100 for most contractors |
| Cash tied up | Until the account is closed | None beyond the premium |
| How fast | Depends on payment processing | Issued instantly online for most applicants |
| Water usage and charges | You pay them | You still pay them |
| If the city makes a claim | The city applies your deposit | The surety pays, and you repay the surety |
Fire Hydrant Meter Deposits in North Texas Cities
Requirements vary by city. Therefore, always confirm the local water authority accepts a surety bond before you buy one.
Hurst, Texas
The City of Hurst requires a $5,000 deposit per fire hydrant meter, and it states the requirement can be satisfied by a surety bond. Hurst also charges a $10 account setup fee and bills hydrant water at 150% of the standard commercial rate.
Get a Hurst Water Meter Bond →Dallas, Texas
Dallas Water Utilities runs a portable fire hydrant meter program with a $2,300 deposit. However, its program page doesn’t list surety bonds as a payment option, so confirm acceptable security with Dallas Water Utilities first.
Get a Dallas Water Deposit Bond →Other North Texas Cities
Similarly, other cities and water districts across North Texas may accept surety bonds, letters of credit or other security instead of cash. If your city provides a bond form, we can help you get it issued.
Call (972) 853-8884 →How to Get a Fire Hydrant Meter Surety Bond
Confirm the Requirement
First, confirm the city or water authority accepts a surety bond in place of the meter deposit.
Get the Bond Details
Next, ask for the bond amount, the obligee name and any city-approved bond form or wording.
Apply for the Bond
Then apply online. For most applicants, the bond is issued instantly.
Deliver the Bond
Finally, provide the signed bond to the city so it can release your meter.
Avoid Claims on Your Hydrant Meter Bond
Most hydrant meter claims come from unpaid water bills or damaged, lost or stolen meters. For example, Hurst’s rules say a lost or stolen meter forfeits the entire deposit.
Consequently, following the city’s meter rules protects both your bond and your bonding record.
- Pay hydrant water bills on time
- Secure the meter against theft
- Never modify the meter assembly
- Open and close hydrants slowly with the proper tools
- Allow access for monthly meter reads
- Request removal and a final read when the job ends
Fire Hydrant Meter Bond FAQs
What is a fire hydrant water meter surety bond?
It’s a surety bond a city or water authority may accept instead of a cash deposit when a contractor rents a portable fire hydrant meter for construction water.
How much does a fire hydrant meter bond cost?
For most contractors, a $5,000 hydrant meter bond costs about $100. Your final premium depends on surety underwriting.
How fast can I get a fire hydrant meter bond?
For most applicants, the bond is issued instantly when you apply online. Some applications, however, may need additional underwriting review.
Does every city accept a surety bond instead of a deposit?
No. Each city or water authority sets its own requirements. Therefore, confirm a bond is accepted before you buy one.
Does Hurst accept a surety bond for a hydrant meter?
Yes. The City of Hurst requires a $5,000 deposit per fire hydrant meter and states the requirement can be satisfied by a surety bond. Contact Hurst Utility Billing for current bond details.
Does Dallas accept a fire hydrant meter surety bond?
Dallas Water Utilities requires a $2,300 deposit for its portable fire hydrant meter program, and its program page doesn’t list surety bonds as an option. Therefore, confirm acceptable security with Dallas Water Utilities before buying a bond.
Do I still pay for the water I use?
Yes. The bond replaces the deposit, not your water bills. For instance, Hurst bills hydrant meter water at 150% of the standard commercial rate.
What happens if a meter is lost, stolen or damaged?
Contractors are typically liable for damaged, lost or stolen meters. If the city makes a claim on the bond and the surety pays, you’re generally required to repay the surety.
What information do I need to get a bond?
Generally, the surety needs your business name and ownership, the bond amount, the city or water authority, project details and any required city bond form or wording.
Who commonly needs a fire hydrant meter bond?
Construction, utility, concrete, road, landscaping and other commercial contractors who need temporary access to city water through a hydrant meter.
Hydrant Meter Bonds Across Dallas–Fort Worth
Based in Lavon, we help contractors working throughout Collin, Dallas, Rockwall, Hunt and Tarrant counties, including:
Other Bonds for Contractors
Construction Bonds
Bid, performance, payment and lien release bonds.
Construction Surety Bonds →Atmos Energy Deposit Bonds
Gas deposit bonds for North Texas job sites and buildings.
Atmos Energy Deposit Bond →All Utility Bonds
Compare electric, gas and water deposit bonds in Texas.
Utility Deposit Bonds →Keep $5,000 Working for About $100
Most bonds are issued instantly online. Alternatively, call our Lavon office and we’ll help with your city’s requirements.
Pricing and instant issuance apply to most applicants; some applications may require additional underwriting review. City deposit amounts and bond acceptance can change; confirm current requirements with your city or water authority.